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You know the bottom line is you have to do what you feel is right. If you are looking for a strictly economic/business type reasoning then yes, even $20k is too much in this market. Very often, however, there is more than that involved in the purchase of a bike. If this is really your dream bike and it calls your name and you have to make it yours, then you will know what you are willing to pay. If you can get it for $20k and that makes you happy and puts a smile on your face, then go for it. You just need to realize that you are paying over market for something you want and be happy with that.
So even $20 is too much? $19-18K? What is reasonable? I understand what the market draws, but I've looked at this and really nice 09's fluctuate between 14.5ish and 19. This one needs nothing. That's why I'm stumped.
I always try to spend no more than I can sell it for if I have to. So far it has worked out pretty well. It's not just bikes nowadays it's Hot Rod's, boats, etc. not holding value very well. For example, I just bought a 2008 Boat and trailer that books for $45k, I bought it for $26k. Definitely a buyers market. However, that was in the midwest where you can buy off season and get a heck of a deal. You on the other hand are in Florida, there is no off season. Offer them $18 and go from there. Keep in mind too if you are financing what a lender will lend on the bike. If paying cash then it's what ever your bank account can handle. Good luck, it does look real nice.
Perhaps worth a walk into an HD dealer and see what a 2012 Ultra is worth on the floor, bet with 2013's out they would be willing to deal. And if nothing else if they do have used inventory it will give you a better idea of what used bikes are worth. just saying.
So even $20 is too much? $19-18K? What is reasonable? I understand what the market draws, but I've looked at this and really nice 09's fluctuate between 14.5ish and 19. This one needs nothing. That's why I'm stumped.
What we are talking about is the difference between what its really worth in the market and what its worth to YOU. Market-wise you get very little, if anything, for those upgrades. So basically you would be looking at book in excellent condition. Those amounts (market and what its worth to you) may not be the same depending on how badly you want that particular bike. In the end only you can determine what its worth to you.
One thing mentioned here is an excellent point though. If you are financing the lender will not lend you much over market. If its a cash deal then have at it
The issue to me is that if I went new, which I could but I am always hunting bargains on stuff like stereo equipment, I'd still be stuck spending thousands of chroming front end, wheels, new grips, shifters, ect. So the original 24K investment skyrockets to 30+ in no time. This has all the chrome I'd want. Will consider taking off the raised goldleaf eagles, but I wouldn't have to feel like I "just have to" do something to the bike. Yes I realize I just said take off the eagles but I am a buccaneer fan. And it is way less costly to remove chrome then to add it. But it's basically a brand new bike, 700 miles, totally decked out for thousands less than new. We still have new frame and 6 speed albeit the 96 versus the 103. Just a very tough decision to me. Anytime I spend large sums of money, and this is large to me, I like to do the research and this is where the experts hang out. Thanks for all the input.
Have you looked on Ebay, there is a 2009 Ultra with 7,700 hundred miles, ABS, loaded for a buy it now of $ 16,999.00 been on there a couple of times, could probably get it for less.
If you look for deals on stereo equipment why would you not hold out and find a deal on a motorcycle?
At the end of the day it boils down to what YOU think is a bargain, if your never going to sell this bike then it really doesnt matter what the market says you could sell it for if you had to, good luck.
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